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Thursday, April 17, 2008
P1-million smuggled crude oil seized
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Tension gripped a private wharf in this city when a shootout almost ensued between Philippine Anti-Smuggling Task Group (PASG) forces and gunmen who tried to take possession of more than P1 million worth of confiscated smuggled crude oil.
PASG Regional Director Dominique Kabigting on Wednesday said the gunmen, who were reportedly hired by the owner of the smuggled crude oil, arrived at the private wharf along Baliwasan seaside and demanded for release of the confiscated cargo.
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The eight gunmen left the premises when PASG operatives stood firm in not releasing the contraband.
Kabigting said his operatives intercepted the smuggled crude oil shipment, estimated to be 140 barrels of 200 liters each, on Sunday upon the arrival of M/L Julmina II in Zamboanga City.
A large quantity of crude oil was also concealed in boxes intended for storing frozen fish.
"We have been watching the arrival of this vessel for the past few days because we have received information (about the smuggling) before it arrived here," Kabigting disclosed.
"They claimed to have come from Tawi-Tawi, but we have the vessel's manifest showing they came from Malaysia," he added.
He identified the owner of the smuggled crude oil as Majib Yusop, who is also the vessel's owner and a resident of Suterville in the village of San Jose-Gusu, west of Zamboanga City.
At a selling price of P41.35 per liter, Kabigting said the confiscated crude oil is estimated to be worth P1,157,800.
Other than the crude oil, Kabigting's men also found a box containing turtle eggs, the gathering of which is prohibited under an existing law.
He said they would still search the M/L Julmina II thoroughly since they also received a tip that there are firearms aboard the vessel.
Kabigting has ordered his personnel to remain on alert.
The gunmen have threatened to return to take possession of the confiscated crude oil by hook or by crook.
PASG thus requested for a backup from the Maritime police to help guard the vessel and the contraband. (Bong P. Garcia/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Iloilo. (April 17, 2008 issue)
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